Middle School Article Archive

Practical advice for a broad range of issues that come up in middle school: staying safe on the Internet, teaching your child to be self reliant, kids at home alone, getting your kids organized, and more.

• Today’s Multitasking Teens - Today’s teens spend seven-plus hours a day involved with some type of technology or media—including time when they’re studying or doing homework. A researcher specializing in teens and media offers tips for parents to help kids disconnect and focus.
• 6 Tips To Help Kids Develop a Positive Body Image - Children develop a body image of themselves, positive or negative, as early as age 8. Here’s what parents should know about how that “snapshot” is formed, and six tips from child experts on how to improve your child’s self-image.
• College Prep Guide: Middle School - While the middle school years are still too early to be picking a specific school to attend, it’s the perfect time to start talking about what it takes to reach that goal.
• The Road to College: A Guide to Helping Your Child Find the Right School - SchoolFamily.com’s College Prep Guide will help your family navigate the years leading up to college applications and enrollment decisions with less stress.
• Tips for Raising a Reader - Ideas to encourage children of all ages to read.
• Fun Summer Reads - Looking for some good summer reads for your kids? These books are so much fun, you won’t have to bug them to dive right in.
• Educational Games for Family Vacations - It’s important to keep kids’ minds active during the summer months. These fun activities are designed to help kids learn during your family vacation, whatever your destination may be.
• Help Middle Schoolers Manage Their Homework - Middle school students have a lot of homework assignments to keep track of. Here’s how to help your child stay on top of that work without a fight.
• Help Your Child Reduce Test Stress - It’s normal for kids to worry about tests, but worrying too much can be bad for kids and their grades. Here’s how to tell if your child has text anxiety and what you can do about it.
• Middle School Study Skills: Getting Organized - Help your middle schooler learn the skills she needs to stay on top of homework.
• Dealing With Disappointing Grades - Most kids bring home a bad report card at least once. Here’s how you can help your child get back on track.
• How To Interpret Report Cards - Need help understanding your child’s report card? We explain the most common grading systems from A to Z.
• Help Your Child Build Writing Skills - Encourage children to keep reviewing and revising, and they'll see their writing improve.
• Help Your Gifted Child Succeed in School - How to tell whether your child is gifted, plus ways to make school more meaningful for him.
• Help Your Autistic Child Succeed in School - How to work with the school to improve education and school life for your autistic child.
• Managing Stress in Middle School - Middle school kids often worry about interactions with peers and their school performance.
• Grade by Grade, What Kids Are Learning - Standards vary from state to state, but here’s a general look at what kids will be taught at each grade level.
• Understanding Grades and Grading - How you react to grades can affect your child’s success in school. It’s important to know what they represent—and what they don’t.
• Help Your Child Adjust Socially - Finding the right niche can help your child feel happier at school.
• Help Your Teenager Develop Responsible Habits - Sometimes, the best way to teach a teen responsibility is to help her develop good habits.

6th Grade

• 6th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect - This is a year of transitions, from the physical and emotional changes of adolescence to the new environment of middle school.
• 6th Grade Academics: What To Expect - Students will be using more sophisticated thinking skills, interpreting and synthesizing the information they’re learning.
• Grade 6 Curriculum Quiz - Are you as smart as your 6th grader? Take this quiz and find out what he'll be learning this year.

View all '6th Grade' articles.

7th Grade

• 7th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect - The beginning of the teenage years is a confusing time for many adolescents—and for parents trying to understand their behavior.
• 7th Grade Academics: What To Expect - Academic concepts continue to get more advanced, and students will really need to use their study skills this year.

View all '7th Grade' articles.

8th Grade

• 8th Grade Social Changes: What To Expect - In 8th grade, kids enjoy being the oldest students in school and look forward to the increased freedoms of high school.
• 8th Grade Academics: What To Expect - Classes get tougher, but students still have time to strengthen academic and organization skills before entering high school.

View all '8th Grade' articles.